From Caregiver to Coach: Marci on Yoyu, Business, and Life in Japan
I’m so glad you’re here! Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—caregiver, coach, entrepreneur, teacher, writer—and each one has shaped me in ways I never expected.
Recently, I got on Zoom for a laid-back chat (i.e., interview practice!) with my friend, Anna, to talk about how I wound up living in Japan for over three decades, launching my own company (International Education Blueprint Inc.), discovering the concept of yoyu, and balancing it all through life’s twists and turns. It was supposed to be just for practice, but she had such great questions that I decided to share.
I hope you’ll find some inspiration (and maybe a smile or two) in this conversation. Enjoy the interview!
From the West Coast to Hiroshima
Anna: Hey Marci, thanks for sitting down to chat! You’ve had a pretty unique journey from the West Coast of the U.S. all the way to Hiroshima, Japan. Can you give us a quick snapshot of where it all began?
Marci: Sure! I grew up on the West Coast, and I first came to Japan in the early ’90s as a student at Asia University. I ended up loving life here so much that I returned on a Monbusho scholarship for environmental education research at Tsukuba University. Even though I eventually gave up that scholarship to accept a job coordinating international programs, it was still one of the best decisions I ever made. Fast-forward a few decades, and here I am—still in Japan, now living in Hiroshima with my husband, Akira.
Founding IEB Inc. and the Pivot After 9/11
Anna: You and Akira run a company called International Education Blueprint Inc. (IEB Inc.). How did that get started?
Marci: We actually founded IEB Inc. in 2002. Our original plan was to focus on study abroad advising for Japanese students. But 9/11 happened just a few months before we opened, and international travel basically froze. So we pivoted to offering English conversation classes, and then we branched out into all kinds of areas—web design, development, branding services, you name it. Over the years, we’ve partnered with organizations like EducationUSA and the Institute of International Education. It’s definitely been a journey!
Relocating to Hiroshima
Anna: You mentioned a move from Tokyo to Hiroshima. What prompted that change?
Marci: After Akira retired from his university position, we decided to move back to Hiroshima, where his family has roots. For me, having lived in Tokyo for over 30 years, it was a big transition. But it was the right move for us personally and professionally. Plus, I love being surrounded by trees and mountains, so I’ve embraced the change.
Caregiving for an Alzheimer’s Patient
Anna: Speaking of family, I heard you were a primary caregiver for your father-in-law, who had Alzheimer’s. How did that shape you?
Marci: Well, it was truly a life-changing experience. When we brought him from rural Hiroshima up to Tokyo, it was really important to me that he felt needed and respected. His Alzheimer’s progressed over time, of course, and not everything went smoothly. But looking back, it taught me a lot about compassion, patience, and how to create a sense of “home” no matter the circumstances. It’s also a big part of why I’m so passionate about the concept of “yoyu.”
Discovering Yoyu
Anna: Let’s talk “yoyu.” You wrote an entire book, Finding Yoyu, around it. How do you describe it?
Marci: Yoyu is a Japanese word that means capacity, wherewithal, or oomph, and we use it to express, for example, having enough space or breathing room—physically, mentally, emotionally—to not feel overwhelmed. In my book, I explore seven key areas of life where we can cultivate yoyu, from time and money to more spiritual aspects. It’s sprinkled with a lot of personal stories, like how I learned to ask plants and trees for extra energy when I was wiped out! I tried to keep it accessible for people who aren’t necessarily into spirituality but also valuable for those who want a deeper connection.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
Anna: You’ve also helped your husband Akira recover from stage 3 colon cancer—without chemotherapy. That sounds intense. What was that like?
Marci: Honestly, it was pretty intense. We went all in with a strict no-salt, vegan diet and fresh organic carrot juice—two liters a day! We also started taking an herbal blend called Essiac tea. We worked on eliminating stress wherever we could, used essential oils, and just really threw ourselves into alternative-healing approaches. It took a lot of commitment, but I’m grateful to say that Akira is fully recovered. And while we’re not as strict now, the experience definitely deepened my appreciation for holistic health and the power of persistence.
Balancing Acts and the Power of Persistence
Anna: Between caregiving, running a business, and writing a book, how do you balance everything? Do you even believe in the word “balance”?
Marci: Balance is tricky—I think of it more as continuously finding and re-finding my center. I rely heavily on the idea of yoyu and this Japanese saying, “keizoku wa chikara nari,” which translates to “through persistence comes strength.” I love this saying because it reminds me that I don’t need to have it all figured out at once. I just need to keep moving forward, one step at a time, and make sure I’m maintaining enough yoyu for myself so I don’t burn out.
What’s Next for Marci and IEB Inc.?
Anna: Where do you see things heading next, both personally and with IEB Inc.?
Marci: I’m excited to do more coaching around the concept of yoyu and to keep writing. I love web design and development, and it’ll always be part of what I do. But I’m feeling drawn to help people reclaim that space in their lives—whether it’s managing a business with less stress, or navigating big life transitions like caregiving. My mission is all about connecting people, honoring our planet, and finding ways to spread that sense of abundance so that we enjoy our experience here on Earth!
Parting Wisdom for Creating Yoyu
Anna: Lastly, if you could give readers one piece of advice to cultivate their own “yoyu,” what would it be?
Marci: Practice asking for help—whether that’s from people around you, from nature, from your spiritual guides, or from within yourself. We’re often so determined to go it alone. But finding yoyu usually means letting others in or leaning into other resources. It might feel awkward at first, but it’s one of the most powerful things you can do.
Anna: Thanks for sharing your story, Marci! It’s inspiring to see how you’ve navigated so many different roles and challenges.
Marci: Thank you! I appreciate the chance to open up about my journey. I hope it helps people see that no matter what’s going on in your life, there’s always a way to find a little more yoyu.
You can learn more about my book, Finding Yoyu, here >>
Read more about one of my favorite Japanese sayings, keizoku wa chikara nari here >>
Learn more about how Akira recovered from stage 3 colon cancer without chemotherapy here >>
Subscribe to the Finding Yoyu Updates - and get a free chapter of my upcoming book. I usually send an email once a week with ways we might find or cultivate more yoyu.
About the Author:
Hi! I’m Marci. I’ve lived in Japan for over 30 years, blending tech, language, and healing in my work. Through caregiving for my father-in-law with Alzheimer’s and supporting my husband’s cancer recovery, I discovered the importance of yoyu—having the time, energy, and emotional reserves to thrive. Now, I share these insights through writing, coaching, and creative projects. My upcoming memoir, Otosan, tells the story of those five transformative years. Let’s connect and create more yoyu in our lives!